"A DOLL'S HOUSE"

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 87, 13 April 1933, Page 9

"A DOLL'S HOUSE"

FAMOUS PLAY PRODUCED. GARRICK SOCIETY'S SUCCESS, When in the 'eighties Nora banged the door for the first-time at the end of "A Doll's , House" the noise reverberated round the world. It was one of the most momentous exits in all drama. Society was shocked and thrilled. What did Ibsen mean? He was a wrecker of homes, this Norwegian iconoclast—the idea of suggesting that a- woman was justified in leaving her husband and children merely because she was misunderstood! But Nora's claim to be treated like a human being blew a breath of fresh wind into innumerable stuffy homes, and gave • the feminist cause everywhere an impetus,, so that "A Doll's House" became the most famous of modern plays, challenging old conventions and opening new worlds to the dramatist. Yet, famous though it is, this play, we believe, has not been staged in New Zealand professionally since Janet Achurch brought it here 40 years ago. It is possible that last night's production by the Garrick Dramatic Society at the Lewis Eady Hall was the first in Auckland since that far off day. At any rate this new organisation is to be warmly congratulated on its enterprise and couraga in staging this classic, and in, the quality of the presentation of a difficult play. The play " dates " more than a little, not only in soliloquies, but in the spring of the plot. It is difficult for people of 1933, especially young people, to realise the gravity of Nora's offence as Nora saw it, to believe that Torvald could be such an anointed egotist. The truth is that the battle Has Been won, and Ibsen helped to win it. However, " A Doll's House ' lives hot by this particular mechanism, but by the general presentation of a clash between a selfish unimaginative husband and a wife whose eyes were opened to her own limitations and This clash was excellently conveyed in the Garrick Society's production. Nora dominates the play, and the society was fortunate in finding such a gifted young lady as Miss Joan Airey to take the part. She spoke her lines clearly and intelligently throughout. She conveyed at first the right measure of girlish charm, and the restlessness that slightly marred her acting was probably due to nervousness. As the play proceeded Miss Airey portrayed deep emotion, and in the great last scene, when Nora leaves her husband, the quiet forcefulness of her acting was really impressive. She made one realise why this scene has won the admiration of the world. Hers is one of the most distinguished performances the Auckland amateur stage has seen. Mr. Rex Sayers played the part of Torvald competently, bringing out the shallow affection and rigid morality of the man, and at the end his dawning doubt. As Mrs. Linden, Miss Antonia Martinengo was an admirable foil to Nora. It was a pleasure to listen to her clear enunciation. All the players, indeed, could be heard easily. Mr. J. Howard Newcombe was Nils Krogstad; Mr. Terence Barton, Dr. Rank; Miss Rona Speed, the nurse, and Miss Kathleen Barton the maid, and the three children were played by Doreen Preston-Thomas, Rekanui Simeon, and Jaqueline Robertson. The setting on the tiny stage was in keeping with the_ play, and the dresses were designed with taste. An orchestra under Miss Ivy Akersten added to the enjoyment of the evening, though it may be doubted whether it was wise to have slow "music during portions of the play. The producer, Miss Raie Robinson, is to be warmly congratulated on the success of " A Doll's House." The play will be staged again to-night.